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RN Forensic Nurse Examiner
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Durango, CO, 81301-8296
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : 34.14-54.46 HOUR
Date Posted : 7 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Registered Nurses may be eligible for a relocation bonus up to $8,000. Ask a recruitment team member for more information to learn more!
You have a purpose, unique talents and NOW is the time to embrace it, live it and put it to work. We value incredible people with incredible skills – but your commitment to a greater cause is something we value even more.
As an RN Sexual Assault Examiner, in this role you will perform forensic examinations for the collection and preservation of evidence for sexual assault cases. Additionally, you will provide follow up care and are available to participate in the judicial process and provide expert testimony and witnessing.
Job Requirements
In addition to bringing your whole self to the workplace each day, qualified candidates will need the following:
- BSN Preferred; Associates degree in Nursing (nursing diploma or by endorsement) required
- 2 years’ experience in acute care setting or outpatient womens health preferred
- Advanced assessment skills
- Current RN license in state of employment or RN license from a particpating state in the National Licensure Compact, required
- Current BLS certification required from American Heart Association
Physical Requirements-Medium Work - exert/lift up to 50 lbs force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs constantly.
Where You'll WorkMercy Hospital is an 82 bed, acute care hospital located in the scenic southwestern Colorado town of Durango. It is the only hospital in Colorado to be rated by Medicare with five stars for overall hospital quality. It is recognized for excellence in orthopedic and spine surgery and for outstanding patient experience and patient safety. Mercy has also received ten consecutive 'A' grades for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group. Our providers use state-of-the-art technology in an environment designed to promote wellbeing and healing of body, mind, and spirit. Among the many specialty services available at Mercy are emergency care (Level III trauma designation), surgical care, cardiac care (including interventional), Orthopedic and Spine Centers of Excellence, a Family Birthing Center, home care, hospice care and more. Durango offers an exceptional quality of life with small town charm, excellent schools, and year-round, world-class outdoor recreation opportunities including snow sports, river sports, hiking, biking, camping and more.
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Frequently asked questions
Durango, CO, has a specialized demand for RN Forensic Nurse Examiners, especially with Mercy Hospital's reputation. While the pool of candidates is modest due to the niche skills required, competition remains steady given the role’s complexity and regional healthcare needs, making it a promising area for qualified forensic nurses.
Employers in southwestern Colorado often favor candidates holding national forensic nurse certification alongside an active RN license. Certifications like SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) enhance eligibility, reflecting regional emphasis on advanced forensic skills due to local judicial and healthcare standards.
Daily responsibilities include comprehensive forensic evidence collection, advanced patient assessment in trauma cases, and delivering sensitive follow-up care. Proficiency in sexual assault examination protocols and readiness for courtroom testimony are essential skills that distinguish this role in Durango’s healthcare setting.
With experience, RN Forensic Nurse Examiners can transition into roles like forensic nurse educators, legal nurse consultants, or advanced practice forensic nurses. Leadership opportunities in multidisciplinary teams or collaboration with law enforcement agencies also broaden career trajectories within forensic nursing.
Catholic Health Initiatives invests in ongoing training and provides access to forensic nursing programs, fostering skill enhancement. Their commitment to community health and employee growth ensures forensic nurses receive mentorship and opportunities to refine expertise in a supportive environment.
Beyond competitive pay, Catholic Health Initiatives offers relocation bonuses up to $8,000 and access to cutting-edge medical technology. The organization values holistic care, promoting a culture that supports both professional excellence and personal well-being in the scenic Durango area.
Forensic nurse examiners in Durango typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. This range aligns with regional healthcare salary standards and reflects the specialized nature of forensic nursing roles in southwestern Colorado.
This role requires moderate physical exertion, including lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally. The work involves patient handling and managing forensic equipment, necessitating stamina and physical readiness to perform examinations and evidence collection efficiently.
Yes, Catholic Health Initiatives accepts RN licenses from participating states in the Nurse Licensure Compact, facilitating mobility for qualified forensic nurses seeking employment in Colorado without undergoing additional state licensure processes.